Darien uses big second half to down Greenwich in key FCIAC title rematch

David Fierro

Updated 11:26 pm, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Photo: Bob Luckey

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At left, Hollis Perticone (#29) of Darien scores during the second half while being covered by Jenny Goggin (# 13) of Greenwich during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

At left, Hollis Perticone (#29) of Darien scores during the second half while being covered by Jenny Goggin (# 13) of Greenwich during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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At left, Jena Fritts (# 18) of Darien, shoots as Greenwich golaie Kylie Ginsberg prepares to make a stop during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

At left, Jena Fritts (# 18) of Darien, shoots as Greenwich golaie Kylie Ginsberg prepares to make a stop during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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At center, Taylor Hardison (# 27) of Darien carries the ball while being covered by a screaming Molli Haimerl (# 6) of Greenwich, as Greenwich goalie Kylie Ginsberg, left, looks on during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

At center, Taylor Hardison (# 27) of Darien carries the ball while being covered by a screaming Molli Haimerl (# 6) of Greenwich, as Greenwich goalie Kylie Ginsberg, left, looks on during the girls high school ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Emma Christie (# 5) of Greenwich reacts after scoring a first-half goal during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

Emma Christie (# 5) of Greenwich reacts after scoring a first-half goal during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Darien High School girls lacrosse coach Lisa Lindley, left, helps her player Dillon Schoen off the field after Schoen was injured while scoring a goal in the second-half of the match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

Darien High School girls lacrosse coach Lisa Lindley, left, helps her player Dillon Schoen off the field after Schoen was injured while scoring a goal in the second-half of the match between Darien High School ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Sophie Waine of Greenwich scoops up the ball during first-half action of the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

Sophie Waine of Greenwich scoops up the ball during first-half action of the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Greenwich High School girls lacrosse coach Caitlin Keane during the match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Greenwich High School girls lacrosse coach Caitlin Keane during the match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

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At right, Hollis Perticone (#29) of Darien scores during the first half while being covered by Molly Haimerl (# 6) of Greenwich and her teammate, Carolyn Paletta (#27), center, during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

At right, Hollis Perticone (#29) of Darien scores during the first half while being covered by Molly Haimerl (# 6) of Greenwich and her teammate, Carolyn Paletta (#27), center, during the girls high school ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Eleanor Bennett (# 10) of Darien during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Eleanor Bennett (# 10) of Darien during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Nicole Graham (# 11) of Greenwich during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Nicole Graham (# 11) of Greenwich during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

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At left, Danielle Raviele (# 25) of Greenwich goes for the ball against Hollis Perticone (# 29) of Darien during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

At left, Danielle Raviele (# 25) of Greenwich goes for the ball against Hollis Perticone (# 29) of Darien during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Claire O'Connor (# 15) of Greenwich during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Claire O'Connor (# 15) of Greenwich during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Emily Johnson (# 10) of Greenwich scores the first goal of the game against Darien golaie Caylee Waters during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. At left is Vanessa Budd (#19) of Darien and at right is Anne Dunster (# 14) of Greenwich. Darien won the match 17-9. less

Emily Johnson (# 10) of Greenwich scores the first goal of the game against Darien golaie Caylee Waters during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

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At left, Dillon Schoen (# 3) of Darien gets past Emily Johnson (# 10) of Greenwich during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

At left, Dillon Schoen (# 3) of Darien gets past Emily Johnson (# 10) of Greenwich during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Dillon Schoen, right, of Darien, scores while being defended by Molli Haimerl (# 6) of Greenwich during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. At left is Lexie Perticone (# 22) of Darien. Darien won the match 17-9. less

Dillon Schoen, right, of Darien, scores while being defended by Molli Haimerl (# 6) of Greenwich during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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At left, Molli Haimerl (# 6) of Greenwich defends against Darien's Taylor Hardison (# 27) during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

At left, Molli Haimerl (# 6) of Greenwich defends against Darien's Taylor Hardison (# 27) during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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At left, Kristen Gilbert (# 11) of Darien loses the ball while being pursued by Emily Johnson of Greenwich during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

At left, Kristen Gilbert (# 11) of Darien loses the ball while being pursued by Emily Johnson of Greenwich during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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At right, Emily Stein of Darien pursues Megan Collins (# 9) of Greenwich who is adjusting her mask after being hit during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

At right, Emily Stein of Darien pursues Megan Collins (# 9) of Greenwich who is adjusting her mask after being hit during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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At left, Megan Collins (# 9) of Greenwich loses the ball during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

At left, Megan Collins (# 9) of Greenwich loses the ball during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Emily Johnson (# 10) of Greenwich passes during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Emily Johnson (# 10) of Greenwich passes during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Darien goalie Caylee Waters picks up a loose ball during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

Darien goalie Caylee Waters picks up a loose ball during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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At left, Sophie Waine (# 17) of Greenwich shoots during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

At left, Sophie Waine (# 17) of Greenwich shoots during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

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At left, Darien goalie Kaylee Waters passes the ball while being covered by Anne Dunster (# 14) of Greenwich during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

At left, Darien goalie Kaylee Waters passes the ball while being covered by Anne Dunster (# 14) of Greenwich during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

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At left, Taylor Hardison of Darien (# 27) approaches the net being defended by Greewich golaie Kylie Ginsberg (# 20) during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

At left, Taylor Hardison of Darien (# 27) approaches the net being defended by Greewich golaie Kylie Ginsberg (# 20) during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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At right, Molli Haimerl (# 6) of Greenwich defends during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

At right, Molli Haimerl (# 6) of Greenwich defends during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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At right, Dillon Schoen of Darien gets hit in the head with a stick during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

At right, Dillon Schoen of Darien gets hit in the head with a stick during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Dillon Schoen got hurt during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Dillon Schoen got hurt during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Kristen Gilbert (# 11) of Darien during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Kristen Gilbert (# 11) of Darien during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Emily Stein (#9) of Darien during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Emily Stein (#9) of Darien during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

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At left, Emily Stein (# 9) of Darien is congratulated by her teammates after scoring in the second half during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

At left, Emily Stein (# 9) of Darien is congratulated by her teammates after scoring in the second half during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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At left, Kristen Gilbert of Darien in action during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

At left, Kristen Gilbert of Darien in action during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Mariah Matheis of Darien scores in the second half during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9. less

Mariah Matheis of Darien scores in the second half during the girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the ... more

Photo: Bob Luckey

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Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Girls high school lacrosse match between Darien High School and Greenwich High School at Darien, Tuesday afternoon, May 7, 2013. Darien won the match 17-9.

Photo: Bob Luckey

Darien uses big second half to down Greenwich in key FCIAC title rematch

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DARIEN -- The game slowly began to turn toward the end of the first half and by the time the second reached its midway point, the Darien High girls lacrosse team was riding a wave of momentum that couldn't be stopped.

Tuesday's showdown between the Blue Wave and Greenwich was truly a tale of two halves. Though Greenwich held a slight edge in the first half, Darien dominated the second, impressively turning a one-goal halftime deficit into a convincing 17-9 win over the visiting Cardinals in a rematch of last season's FCIAC final.

Junior Emily Stein scored a game-high six goals, while senior Taylor Hardison tallied two goals and five assists for Darien, which outscored Greenwich 11-2 after trailing 7-6 at halftime.

"At halftime we needed to get ourselves together because we came out flat in the first half," said Stein, who scored three goals in the second half. "We knew if we didn't come out strong in the second half we were going to lose the game."

Stein was the beneficiary of several pin-point passes from Hardison, who posted two goals and two assists in Darien's 17-14 victory against Greenwich in the 2012 FCIAC championship game.

"Every time we play big competitors in the FCIAC we get pumped up," Hardison said. "We know we are probably going to see Greenwich again in the FCIAC and state tournaments, so it was important for us to set the tone today. Hopefully, we'll do exactly the same thing next time."

Senior midfielder Emily Johnson scored four times, while junior middie Carolyn Paletta scored twice for the Cardinals (11-2). Greenwich displayed solid ball movement and held its own on the draw controls in the opening half. However, it was a different story for the Cardinals in the second half.

"Unforced turnovers -- we beat ourselves on attack," GHS coach Caitlin Keane said. "We had great possession in the first half, we made good decisions and settled the ball when we needed to settle the ball. But we had no ball movement in the second half and too many turnovers."

Stein's goal off a pass from Hardison 1:31 into the second half tied the score at 7-7. Junior Dillon Schoen took a hit to the nose while fighting her way through traffic en route to scoring the go-ahead goal for the Blue Wave at the 22:52 mark. Hollis Perticone's man-up tally capped a string of four unanswered goals by the home team, making it a 9-7 game. After Johnson put a low shot past Darien senior goalie Caylee Waters, the Blue Wave scored two straight, the second of which came off the stick of Stein, claiming an 11-8 edge 10 minutes into the second half.

"They did a good job in the first half and we didn't have our `A' game," said Darien coach Lisa Lindley, whose squad improved to 12-1 with its 10th consecutive triumph. "To Greenwich's credit, they outplayed us in the first half. The second half, I thought we came out stronger and began getting the draws and converting our shots, which was a factor."

Effectively executing their settled offense, the state's top-ranked team methodically increased its lead as the second half progressed. Sophomore Mariah Matheis rolled off a pick and scored off a pass from Stein, sophomore Anna Moorhead scored on a catch-and-shoot off a feed from Hardison and Hardison put a shot by GHS goalie Kylie Ginsberg on the run, putting Darien in front, 14-8.

Johnson helped the Cards get off to a strong start in the opening half. Trailing 3-1 after Jena Fritts tallied, Johnson scored back-to-back goals, knotting the score at 3-3. Goals from Sophie Waine, Paletta and Emma Christie put GHS up, 6-4, with 9:35 to go in the first half.

"We had great momentum in the first half, but got a little bit lethargic in the second," said Christie, a senior midfielder. "Darien is a great team, so to be up on them in the first half is a great accomplishment. Next time, we need to play the whole 50 minutes. We'll see them again."

Said Paletta: "We look forward to this game all season, so that motivated us to come out strong the first half. We are a younger team than they are, so we are hoping to come at them stronger in the postseason."

Ellie Bennett secured numerous draw controls throughout, enabling Darien to control possession and run its offense.

"Ellie did a great job and we got a lot of people in the circle," Hardison said. "It was a great team effort."

Waters made eight saves for Darien, while Ginsberg stopped 10 shots for GHS.

"I thought our defense was fantastic the whole game," Keane said. "We have to go back to working hard on attack."